Spring loaded tampers... worth getting?

Pompeyexile

When I started out on my ‘proper’ coffee journey, I bought what at the time I thought was all I needed, but obviously as time has ticked by, and I have researched and been properly educated by many of my betters on this forum, in order to improve my results there are ways in which this can be done without me having to sell my car, house, body (debatable) and soul in order to fund it. Which brings me to tampers, or more specifically spring-loaded ones.

I have read how tamping is a variable that can make a difference depending on technique, pressure used etc. But it is the pressure at which to tamp, for me, is the one thing that I know I cannot judge. Which is where the spring-loaded tampers come in. No matter what I do how much force I put in, when that ‘click’ is heard, I assume that my tamp pressure is going to be correct, but more importantly repeatable.

So, what are your opinions on spring-loaded tampers and are they worth the extra shekels and if so, which brand? Remembering, I am (violins at the ready) a poor pensioner.

CafeCalando

Pompeyexile I too have had the Normcore for over a year. For the price it is good and gives you a consistent tamp. Now on black Friday deal on Amazon for £36.19 (£28.95 Prime) it is an attractive proposition. I

ST30B

Had the normcore for over a year and wouldn’t be without it. Another variable removed! Spot on for the price at the time.

MediumRoastSteam

Spring loaded alone - I wouldn’t bother. E.g: JoFrex.

Level and spring loaded tamper - 100%. I have a Bravo and I can’t see myself using a “dumb” tamper ever again!

dfk41

It is aesthetics……will your taste buds spot the difference? I am not a fan of adding layers to the onion that is coffee puck preparation. You never see a barista worth his weight using these ‘toys’…….save your money!

Dusk

I was in Bella Barista the other week and they had a fancy wdt tool they used between grinding and tamping…

Anyway, I found a level tamper can get coffee stuck between the tamping part and the bit that rests on the basket to keep it level. I find it a pain.

MediumRoastSteam

Dusk I found a level tamper can get coffee stuck between the tamping part and the bit that rests on the basket

Very true. And it’s annoying. But not the end of the world. A quick brush between the plates every so often takes 5 seconds at most.

For me, having consistency and eliminating two variables (tamping force and levelness) makes it worthwhile.

Uncletits

I use an Eazytamp picked up from Australia and love it - you do need to clean between but I don’t feel it’s an issue as it comes apart easily

I have a couple of different handles and bases too (a bit like Trigger’s broom)

Pompeyexile

Interesting, some for, some against.

Another thought for those pro them …. Flat or ripple base and does it make a difference?

Why is nothing chuffin simple?!

dfk41

Pompeyexile The question you need to ask yourself, is whilst on paper these are the next best thing, will it actually make any difference at all in reality and taste. Surely you are better off learning to fine tune your fieldcraft? Can anyone name me a barista or influencer of note, who uses one? I know some cafes elect for the PuqPress type thing but I still maintain it makes zero difference to the taste of the coffee. If you load the puck incorrectly or your grinder is producing boulders, this is not going to help you……on the other hand, if you just want to try one out, then go ahead…….I reckon within a short space of time it will gather dust in the cupboard marked CoffeeBollocks

Jony

I learned on bathroom scales for pressure 😁

InfamousTuba

You definitely don’t need a spring loaded tamper. Especially if you have a well made manual tamper, can pull multiple shots and get them to taste consistent and run in a similar amount of time. Spring loaded tampers (and the Puqpress) are nice for consistency between people using the same machine, at home or in a cafe, but for one user of a machine it isn’t difficult to learn consistency with a manual tamper.

Although if I didn’t have a tamper at all and I needed to buy one I would buy a spring loaded one, I prefer using one for ease of use and cosistency and I know most of my barista friends prefer them if they don’t have a Puqpress at work. Almost all of the World Barista Championship Finalists use them, if that means anything.

But as I said before you don’t need one and it won’t make your coffee taste any better

prezes

I used to stay away from the level tampers from the start of my coffee journey. Got a normcore to try earlier this year and never looked back which I must add wasn’t expecting to happen.

Jony

Got a Nice Tor with a joey handle

Amberale

I have two of “The Force” tampers in different sizes(58.7 & 54.0) and I love them.
I have no idea if they improve or change the flavour profile of my brews but they certainly simplify the routine.
For that first shot of the morning when I am still half asleep or when I am knocking out multiple shots for visitors they are fast and consistent.
Yes they get grinds between the plates but it is simple to shake them clean into the knock box.
The tighter the fit in your basket is, the less grounds get caught.
I have tried the rippled plates and found that they caught more grinds in the grooves and were harder to clean.
Also, I am not convinced that the ripple effect is helpful especially when one adds a paper filter on the top.

I also have a 49.5mm Easytamp, they are made by a bloke in my closest town.
It is very good but somehow not as satisfying as the Force units.

Pompeyexile

Well, I am not surprised that there are those that will fight the spring tamper corner and those who don’t, and I get where you are coming from, dfk41. However, my reason for bringing up the subject, was what I have experienced using the same beans, the same amount, going through the exact same puck prep, having the grind size the same on my Niche, there have been differences from one day to another on the flow. My inexperienced reasoning for this, considering everything being the same as stated, was perhaps my tamp pressure fluctuates thus making the puck more or less porous and therefore, the constant of the sprung tamper would eliminate it. I also, give a few turns of a leveller first to ensure a perfectly level puck to try and eliminate that, before then using my tamper to press it home. Sometimes it works and other times it just flows too quick, which does surely affect the taste.

But, I will persevere a bit longer before making a decision and as always people, thanks for listening and your invaluable advice.